Three Ysbyty Gwynedd nurses celebrate combined 148 years of service to nursing

30 August, 2024

Three Ysbyty Gwynedd nurses are celebrating almost 150 years of healthcare service between them this year.

Theatre Nurse Ann Pugh recently marked 55 years of service – a remarkable milestone which exemplifies the exceptional dedication and commitment she has displayed to her career, especially to the area of theatres within the Health Board.

Over the years Ann has been there to see some of her colleagues born and has watched and supported them to develop in their roles within the Theatre team.

Ann has no plans to fully retire any time soon and continues to work part-time in her theatre nursing role.

She said: “I don’t know where the years have gone, it’s flown by. I’ve always really enjoyed my work and we always work as a team and I’m really proud to be part of it.”

Sister Mary Williams from Dulas Ward at the hospital has retired this month after completing 48 years of service – throughout almost five decades she has delivered exceptional care to patients and provided support to her nursing colleagues, in particular providing training and guidance in the development of student nurses.

She said: “It was a very difficult decision for me to leave the nursing profession, I’ve had an amazing career and worked with such fantastic colleagues who have become lifelong friends.”

Also retiring this month is Clinical Nurse Specialist in Gynae Oncology, Liz Hall who has clocked up 48 years of service to the NHS.

Liz was the first Colposcopy Specialist Nurse in Wales and helped to develop the Gynaecology department at Ysbyty Gwynedd over the years alongside her colleagues.

She said: “Nursing is a very special job, what has been the most rewarding part for me is the time I have spent with patients, providing them with the support during probably the most difficult time of their lives.

“I feel I have had a fantastic career, I’ve always been passionate about nursing and development within the profession.”